Constant Fatigue May Be Caused by Anemia

Anemia, which shows itself with signs such as pale skin, reduced exercise capacity, an increased difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a rapid pulse, can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. To treat anemia, which reduces work performance and quality of life, it is very important to identify the underlying causes and to plan the right treatment.

The cause of anemia should be investigated thoroughly

Anemia is a decrease in hemoglobin, the substance found in red blood cells that gives blood its red color. The main causes of anemia are blood loss, insufficient production of red blood cells, and rapid destruction of red blood cells. In particular, bleeding in the gastrointestinal system and heavy menstrual bleeding in women can cause long-term blood loss and, as a result, anemia. A decrease in red blood cell production can develop when certain nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, folic acid, riboflavin and copper are consumed in amounts below the daily requirement or cannot be absorbed from the digestive system. If the structure of red blood cells is abnormal, they are destroyed quickly, either in the bone marrow before entering the circulation or soon after entering it, and this leads to anemia.

Tiring easily and weakness are the most common symptoms

The most important function of hemoglobin is to carry the oxygen taken in from the lungs to the cells in the body. When the amount of hemoglobin carried by red blood cells decreases, the cells do not receive the required amount of oxygen. In anemia patients, reduced exercise capacity appears as an early sign. In a person who previously had no difficulty with activities, symptoms such as tiring more quickly with the same amount of effort, weakness, palpitations and shortness of breath appear. As the amount of hemoglobin falls, these symptoms begin to be observed more severely and more quickly. In severe anemia, symptoms of weakness, fatigue, exhaustion, palpitations and shortness of breath can be seen even at rest. Blurred vision, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and coldness in the hands and feet are other complaints.

A detailed evaluation is very important in diagnosis

For a correct diagnosis of anemia, it is necessary to know what the patient's complaints are and how they developed. So as not to miss an important clue, the patient's significant past health problems, family history, any medications used and existing diseases are evaluated. A detailed examination covering all the systems in the body is then performed. The necessary tests are carried out to determine why the anemia developed.

Depending on the type of anemia, many treatment options are used, from blood transfusion to bone marrow transplantation

The most effective approach to treatment is to treat the underlying cause. For example, treating an ulcer that causes gastrointestinal bleeding stops the bleeding. Giving iron at the same time corrects the iron deficiency, and the anemia does not recur. Conversely, if iron is given only because of iron deficiency, after a while the iron falls again because of the ongoing bleeding and the anemia recurs. In women with heavy menstrual bleeding, periods should be regulated with hormonal support. Substances that are lacking in the blood are supplemented. Iron is given for iron deficiency, vitamin B12 for vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid for folic acid deficiency, and erythropoietin for chronic kidney failure. If the anemia is severe enough to reduce quality of life, a blood transfusion is performed. In cases where the immune system stops the production of red blood cells or destroys them, drugs that suppress the immune system are used. In various conditions that cause excessive destruction of red blood cells, the spleen may be removed. Medications that cause anemia are stopped. In anemias due to diseases of the bone marrow, bone marrow transplantation is also among the options.